Norwich-based charity Musical Keys has teamed up with some of the region’s best up-and-coming artists to release a compilation album in order to raise funds.

The Great Eastern album features exclusive tracks from 14 up-and-coming artists, including Sargasso Trio’s Birds of Hell, Milly Hirst, Wooden Arms and Olympians.

Funds raised will boost Norwich-based charity Musical Keys, which helps support people with special needs across East Anglia.

Jacob Solstice, of Musical Keys, said: “There is lots of excellent music being created in East Anglia and specifically Norwich at the moment, with several bands being played regularly on national radio such as 6Music and BBC Introducing.

“We thought it would be a great chance for these artists to be put together on one release to promote their work while also promoting Musical Keys.”

Many of the contributing artists have a personal connection to Musical Keys and have experienced the important work the charity does.

Duncan Baker, drummer in Box of Light, said: “I volunteered for Musical Keys for more than two years at their Saturday morning group in Norwich before being trained to lead workshops, and now I work with a group of young people in King’s Lynn with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“The effect the sessions have on the participants is so rewarding and so powerful – when I saw they were looking for bands for their complication, I jumped at the chance to help them raise much-needed funds.”

The charity has spent more than two decades developing programmes of activities designed to help children learn new skills and improve coordination and motor skills.

It also runs groups in schools, hospitals and hospices.

One parent whose child regularly attends a Musical Keys’ Norwich group said: “This is the only weekend activity my child can attend and enjoy and benefit from. It’s a big part of her life.

“Musical Keys’ service is a lifeline for children with special needs who don’t always get to socialise with each other, and also for their parents and families.”

The Great Eastern compilation is available via the charity’s own Bandcamp page and is available to download for a minimum contribution of £5. To download see www.musicalkeys.bandcamp.com